Austin goes beyond basics

Students at Austin Montessori Magnet School went outside Friday to see examples of homeless shelters, part of the school's Montessori philosophy of teaching more than the three R's.

"Becoming a good citizen is just as important as learning the basics, and the plight of some of these homeless families is critical - we want children to reach out," principal Sylvia Sanchez said.

Students first lined up in the gym to see a short video on how programs can help the homeless. The video didn't hold everyone's attention, but once students saw the homeless dwellings put up outside by Randy McGuire's class, they seemed transfixed by the five makeshift shelters.

"It's falling," one student said as a tarp started to come undone.

"We all need to scoot back," teacher Tiffany Witte told the dozen students packed under the covering.

At the lean-to station, teacher Rachel Orona pointed out the cooler sitting by the cloth-covered spot.

"What we would use for a picnic, they use for a fridge," Orona said. Students thought about weather conditions for anyone living in a lean-to.

"It would be really cold under there, and all you could do is just sit, no television," sixth-grader Alexandra Castillo said.

McGuire, a sixth-grade teacher, organized the event. He said he got involved through the Family Promise of Odessa organization - 13 area churches that alternately house homeless families. With roughly 400 ECISD families identified as homeless, it's an issue for the district.

"How can a child learn with a home life so disrupted?" McGuire asked. "It's hard to get their attention and help them be focused."

He said he believes Montessori is about helping students make a difference for others.

"Once you're aware, you have a responsibility to be servants and help make a difference even at a young age," McGuire said. One parent found the project helpful.

"It's a good thing they're bringing this to the children's attention, as they are pretty oblivious to these things," Kim Sanchez said.

Sanchez said Austin strives to help students self-discover concepts instead of being forced, so instruction is structured to provide flexibility. A big focus is on peace and conflict resolution. Students often resolve conflicts by talking about issues at a peace table instead of having teachers lead. Community involvement is also stressed.

"We like to have projects that builds awareness of an issue in our community, and this is something that actually impacts some children," Sanchez said.

The principal said that Austin wants students to learn how to help people and show respect for the environment, both locally and around the world. She said students learned about the issue of homeless people during assembly time, and parents were notified through a letter inviting donations.

Those donations will go to Family Promise of Odessa. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match funds up to $5,000. 

SHELTER EXAMPLES

>> Camping tent with blankets on floor.

>> Small lean-to with a cloth covering and cooler.

>> Cardboard boxes put together into a fort.

>> Tarp tied to the ground and fence with clothing for the floor.

>> Old blue passenger van with small play area in the back.